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Lele’s, Hackney, London

“We believe in good food, and kindness” is Lele’s motto Valentina, the founder, grew up in an Italian culture and wanted to bring this simple, honest approach to food to London.

The setting

Lele’s café is on Hackney’s busy Lower Clapton Rd, only 10 minutes walk from Hackney Central Overground station. There’s also a Lele’s in Dalston which also offers a dinner menu.

The space

Lele’s has a modest exterior and the interior has a welcoming, calming aura. House plants are everywhere – filling the shelves and countertops and mini cacti dot the windowsill-table. Mosaic floor tiles complement the mis-matched, up-cycled tables and stools.  Overall, the ground-floor is bright and airy thanks to large glass windows and a spiral grey staircase leads to a downstairs area with more seating.

What else?

Lele’s has been fully vegan since December 2017.

They also cater at big events and markets like Vegan Nights.. The café is dog-friendly with a jar of free doggy biscuits and water too.

The fresh juice test

Lele’s have a nutritious juice and superfood drinks menu and make all their juices to order. Their green juice was refreshing and light with a great balance between sweet and vegetable-savoury. It was a cooling blend of apple, spinach, lemon and celery.  The Root juice was equally as refreshing, if not a little fiery thanks to the fresh ginger. It was blended with apple, carrot and beetroot and packed with zest and zing.

What we ate

The menu at Lele’s is fully plant-based with options for gluten-free eaters.

As well as the seasonal menu, there’s a selection of fresh patisserie and cakes, sandwiches, bagels and vegan “sausage” rolls and a salad station. We decided to review the giant couscous stuffed roasted red pepper with a side of creamy raw slaw – a blend of walnuts and roasted root vegetables and potatoes.

The set menu offers the best value for sweet and savoury breakfast, brunch and lunch options. From sweet French toast and coconut, banana and chocolate drenched pancakes to porridge bowls, nourish bowls and Lele’s vegan full English. We chose the Marmite Avocado Toast. It was made with thick and chewy sourdough and topped with lashings of Marmite and creamy smashed avocado. It was generously drizzled with tahini, toasted pumpkin seeds, smoked paprika and a side of rocket. It was packed with flavour and texture and was a delight to eat.

With the sweet selection, we were spoilt for choice. Eventually, we chose their peanut butter cookie and a peanut butter cookie sandwich. A crumbly, chewy oaty cookie studded with big chocolate chips with a more-ish peanut butter flavour and texture. They were huge. The cookie sandwich used the same rich peanut butter bake smeared with thick Biscoff cookie spread for an indulgent treat.

We also tried their Oreo brownie on a staff recommendation. It was deliciously light and moist, quite spongey and topped with crunchy Oreo cookies. Finally, we couldn’t resist the signature chocolate croissant. It was a flaky, “buttery” rich pastry filled with a chocolate spread that melted in the mouth.

It was perhaps the best vegan croissant I’ve tasted – you couldn’t even tell the difference between it and a non-vegan pastry.

 

What we’d go back for…

All the food, cakes and drinks at Lele’s were  so impressive, I would go back in a heartbeat. They also offer monthly afternoon tea events which showcase their beautiful patisserie delights as well as savoury sandwiches with scones, jam and vegan cream.

The bill

Green juice  £4.20
Root juice  £4.20
Salad  £6.50
Marmite avocado toast  £7.50
Peanut butter cookie  £2.00
Peanut butter cookie sandwich  £4.00
Oreo brownie £3.50
Chocolate croissant  £2.00

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Raw Juce, Miami

Need a Miami juice bar? Raw Juce has established itself as the go to take away juice spot in Miami with a choice of twenty delicious organic juices,. The local juicer from Boca Raton, up the coast, offers cold-pressed fruit and vegetables juices, smoothies, organic snacks and raw vegan desserts.

The setting

Raw Juce has branches in Aventura, Brickell, Coral Gables and Weston. The Brickell branch is in the shopping mall at Mary Brickell Village., There’s also a branch of Dirt nearby.

The space

It’s more of a grab and go with a few seats and tables. The vibe is metal industrial chairs with super friendly staff.

The fresh juice test

We were quite overwhelmed with the choice of 20 innovative and tempting flavours of juices. not to mention the 11 Smooth-e-lixirs with names such as Dragon Bomb and Hercules.

We decided to review the Turmeric Soul and the Square Root juices.

The first was a blend of orange, turmeric, ginger and reishi and delicious. Refreshing with a zingy twist. The Square Root took a common blend of beet, Gala apple and ginger to a new level with the addition of aloe water and lemon.

What we ate

It’s not all about the juice. Raw Juce also do organic grab n go snacks like raw oatmeal parfaits, kale and quinoa based salads, açaí bowls, and a selection of raw desserts such as the yummy cashew butter cups (like Reese’s but guilt free). We went for açai and chose the Power Bowl. It was a generous mix of banana, mango, açai, almond mylk, protein and almond butter. The topping was equally generous. It was loaded with blueberries and bananas, flax seed, granola, hemp seeds and almonds and drizzled with honey. We loved it.

Next we had the Blue Majik Cheesecake. Magic hit the nail on the head .

It was a creamy, dreamy mix of almond, coconut, agave, cacao, cashew, lemon sea salt, spirulina, blueberry, pistachios and raspberries. It tasted as good as it looked.

The bill

Turmeric Soul $11.50
Square Root $11
Power bowl $13.50
Blue majik cheesecake $7

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Drake Devonshire, Wellington

The popularity of foodie destination Prince Edward County is often put down to one factor – the opening of the Drake Devonshire Hotel. The country outpost of Toronto’s iconic Drake put laid back Wellington firmly on the map. Today, the picturesque town is packed with cool eateries and shops and the hotel’s café still offers one of the best weekend brunches in town.

The setting

The Drake Devonshire is tucked away down a quiet side street and set directly on the shore of Lake Ontario. It’s handy for the beach and shops.  Nearby local hotspots include the Enid Grace Bakery and La Condesa for authentic Mexican food with lots of plant based options.

The space

The café is set at the back of the hotel with a large outdoor terrace directly overlooking the lake and hotel beach.

The view is stunning and there’s also a large inside dining area. The café gets pretty busy and when we went the service was quite slow due to this.

What else?

The hotel serves non-guests for breakfast, brunch (at the weekends), lunch and dinner. Kids are welcome and there’s free WiFi.

The fresh juice test

The Drake offers two juice blends: a red and a green. We decided to review the red which was a zingy mix of beet, apple and ginger. The green is a combo of cucumber, rocket, spinach apple, ginger and wheat grass.

They also do simple fresh juices like orange, grapefruit and apple.

What we ate

There’s a large choice for vegans and vegetarians. We went for two salads and a side of hummus.

We chose the Tomato and Strawberry salad with pickled beets and rocket drizzled with a delicate lavender and pistachio vinaigrette

(no doubt inspired by the local lavender fields). Next, we had the Baby Gem Caesar. This was a crispy, fresh salad with pickled corn, avocado, croutons and radish, but it didn’t really taste like a caesar salad to us. The hummus was house made and had a lovely taste and texture and the sour dough was perfectly toasted.

What we’d go back for…

The location and the view

The bill

Orange juice  $7
Red juice  $8
Tomato and strawberry salad  $16
Baby gem Caesar  $17
Drake + bake sourdough  $4
+  hummus  $6

 

 

 

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Dirt, Miami

Dirt’s Chef Nicole Votano says “At a lot of healthy places the health comes first and the taste comes after, we’re the opposite.”

The setting

Dirt is in South Beach’s waterfront enclave of Sunset Harbour. The casual café is surrounded by gourmet restaurants, chic shops, high-rise condos and fitness centres.  It’s also just a few blocks from the retail therapy mecca of Lincoln Mall.

The space

The modern grey tiled exterior is pretty much unmissable.

Inside, is a large, light space with a warehouse vibe- polished concrete, industrial touches and metal stools. There’s a selection of shared counters and tables, plus sofa banquettes with cushions lining the walls and windows. Dirt has free WiFi and lots of laptops were out during our visit.

 

What else?

Dirt are keen on inclusivity and do include meat on the menu. You can order a steak sandwich, but it will be grass fed.  Dirt also has branches in Brickell and Arlington.

The fresh juice test

We were totally spoilt for choice.

There’s the local Counter Culture kombucha on tap, the local brand of Radiate Kombucha in cans, Rebirth Elixirs and house-made lemonades including a matcha lavender.

If that’s not enough, they offer tempting vegan ice-cream mylkshakes, honey cardamon lattes and a large selection of Dirt’s own juices and shots.

Despite the various temptations,  we decided to review the Dirt Root juice. It was a cold-pressed blend of beet, apple, carrot ginger and lemon. It was refreshing with a subtle kick. We also had a delicious Radiate Flower Power kombucha favoured with hibiscus flower, lemongrass and lemon juice.

What we ate

Theres quite an extensive menu and an all day breakfast featuring bowls, pancakes and toasts. Plus, soups, sandwiches, tostadas, salads and seasonal plates.

We couldn’t resist the intriguing Grilled Watermelon and Balsamic Toast.

It was a surprisingly delicious combination of watermelon, lemon-zested Greek yogurt (there are vegan alternatives), blueberries, balsamic reduction, honey, toasted sunflower seeds, Maldon sea salt, Harpke Family Farm Farm sprouts and Zak the Baker bread.

Next we had the So-Cal Burrito. This was a filling portion of  scrambled cage-free eggs, pepper jack cheese, sautéed onions, organic quinoa and “Dirty” de gallo all rolled in a spinach tortilla wrap and served with pickled onions and house-made salsa verde (there’s also a chipotle option). Although the portion was large, it was quite bland, so maybe we should have ordered the chipotle sauce with it.  Finally, we had the Vegan Creamed Spinach. The spinach was cooked with house-made garlic cashew cream, almond “Parmesan” and grape tomatoes. The cashew cream was delicious.

The little things

Dirt has four menus: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Paleo.

Plus, they break down the nutritional components of each dish on their menu  into calories, protein, fat and carbs.

What we’d go back for…

The vegan ice-cream mylkshakes…

The bill

Root juice  $8
Kombucha [canned]  $6
Grilled watermelon + balsamic toast  $12
So-cal burrito  $12.5
Vegan creamed spinach  $6

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The Vic Café, Picton, Ontario

Prince Edward County is fast becoming the must visit weekend destination for Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.  This small island on Lake Ontario is packed with fresh farm stalls, wineries and antique shops.

The main town of Picton is a foodie destination and home to The Vic Café – a modern diner that prides itself on catering for all diets in a fun atmosphere with individual vegetarian, vegan and GF menus.

The setting

The Vic Café is on Main St, Picton surrounded by antique shops, vintage clothes stores, book shops and retro record stores.

The space

The café, with its neon sprayed walls, is unmissable from the historic street. Outside, there’s a large wooden, covered terrace with a lot of tables and pot plants.

Inside is white, shiny and modern with neon lighting and pastel retro stools, banquettes and cushions.

It’s child friendly and exudes fun.

What else?

The café caters for meat eaters and kids and doesn’t do take-away. Make sure you check out the pink kitsch toilets!

The fresh juice test

You can order straight OJ, kombucha, matcha and turmeric latte or go for one of their signature smoothies.

We decided to review the Queen of Green,  a blend of kale, pineapple, banana, OJ and mint. Despite the banana, it wasn’t overly heavy or sweet and the mint added a refreshing kick.

What we ate

There’s lots of vegan and veggie options. In the end we ordered an avocado toast. It came with a side of fruit and consisted of a slice of sourdough, two poached eggs, avo mash, with pumpkin seeds, pesto vinaigrette and pickled onion.

Next, we had the Sunrise Skillet, a version of shakshuka with two poached eggs, a slow burn tomato and pepper sauce and onions on sourdough.

All garnished with a leafy salad. It was beautifully presented in a skillet with a home knitted handle protector.

The bill

Smoothie  $8.50
Avo on toast  $16.25
Sunrise skillet  $15.00

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Fresh on Spadina, Toronto

It’s easy to eat a plant-based diet in Canada’s capital of cool, Toronto, but the Fresh chain takes vegan eating to the next level.

Fresh has five innovative vegan cafés across the city, each offering a massive selection of plant-powered dishes: from mouth-watering burritos and burgers; to innovative salads and tacos.

Fresh began twenty years ago, with a mission to prove that a plant-powered diet could be undeniably satisfying, energising and delicious.

From our experience at the Spadina branch, it still takes its mission statement seriously.

The setting

Set on one of Toronto’s main arteries, Spadina, the café is close to the junction of Queen Street West with its cool shops. It’s across the street from instagram magnet Graffiti Alley and hip Kensington Market is a 10 minute walk away.

The space

Fresh has a fenced off outdoor seating terrace with plants which is good for people watching. Inside, there’s a large, light dining area with oversized lamps and hip wallpaper complementing the pale wooden tables and floor. You can also sit on stools at the long, black and white tiled bar. It has an elegant, relaxed vibe.

What else?

There are four more branches on Bloor, Eglington, Front and Crawford.

Fresh also do take-aways and have a regular and GF menu and free WiFi. The staff are amazingly helpful.

 

The fresh juice test

As you enter Fresh, you can’t miss the juice selection. The fridge is stacked with rainbow coloured options in large, recyclable glass bottles. Each one contains 3 lbs or 10 servings of fruit and veg. Plus there’s power shakes, smoothies and kombucha cocktails.

We decided to review the Vitamin C elixir – a beta carotene boost balanced by spicy sweet citrus carrot, orange, lemon, apple and cayenne.

It was one of the best juices we’ve ever had – fresh, not too sweet and with a welcome kick of spice. Next, we tried the Passionfruit Schizandra. It was a mix of cold pressed organic lemon, sparkling mineral water and craft ginger kombucha. It was refreshing and tasty. Schizandra is an adaptogenic berry which boasts anti-inflammatory properties.

What we ate

The menu at Fresh is extensive. We decided to review the salads and weren’t disappointed. We ordered the Farro and Feta. The salad was a combo of marinated farro (an ancient grain), baby arugula, seeds, vegan feta, chick peas, tomatoes, red onions, cucumber and red pepper with a bold lemon dressing. The texture was perfect and it was very filling.

Next, the Supergreen Caesar which was packed with greens, mixed lettuce, tempeh bacon, edamame, scallions, cucumber, sun-dried tomato and sunflower nori gomashio .

It was topped off with a tahini caesar dressing which was a stroke of genius taste-wise.

We added  some perfectly crispy tofu cubes from the large selection of add ons. The portions are large and the staff offer doggy bags if you can’t finish. For desert, we got a take-away Strawberry Swirl smoothie. It was a layered, icy  combo of strawberries, coconut milk and banana.

What we’ll be back for…

Fresh also has an enticing brunch menu of pancakes, platters and waffles. We need to try them all.

The bill

Vitamin C elixir  $11
Passionfruit schizandra  $9
Farro and feta  $17
Supergreen caesar $16
crispy tofu + $4
Strawberry swirl  $9

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The Avocado factory, Canggu

The Avocado Factory is famous Bali-wide for its innovative avocado-inspired menu: the 21st century’s trendiest way to get your 5-a-day.

This top vegan friendly café  offers some revolutionary dishes from green matcha pancakes to decadent chocolate-avo mousse. All made from fresh locally sourced produce.

Created by the distinguished international chef Emilio Bean, this unique café concept is the first of its kind in Asia.

The setting

The Avocado Factory is in the heart of Bali’s hip beach town Canggu, which has a relaxed Australian surfer vibe. The district brims with swimwear and surfboard stores as well as vegan cafés and smoothie bars.

The space

The outside is clad in foliage with the signature avocado-shaped sign. There are several tables to choose from. It offers fast and friendly service as well as a good WiFi connection. Grab a seat on the bar directly overlooking the rice paddies, or sit outside and soak up the Indonesian sunshine. Decor-wise, there are crates of pineapples and other tropical fruit on display and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs create and decorate each tantalising dish.
The crowd has a distinctly young demographic, which enhances the laid back ambiance, with many tourists from Australia, America and the UK.

The fresh juice test

To drink, we got the green juice – a refreshing blend of apple, kale, celery, cucumber, lemon and ginger.

Next, we had to review the thick chocolate smoothie made from cacao, banana, chia seeds, vegan protein, coconut water and, you guessed it, avocado!

They also offer health shots made from ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, turmeric and spirulina.

What we ate

The Avocado Factory serves meat and fish, but also caters for vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free diets.

We chose the avocado-hummus open sandwich, which included crunchy roasted chickpeas, green peas, radish and a beautifully crafted avocado rose, served on seeded sourdough toast.

We also ordered the spicy smashed avocado with chilli, grilled mushrooms and a runny poached egg on black rye sourdough.

What we’d go back for…

The restaurant is 98% plastic free and uses straws made out of cassava. Plus, all the food and drink packaging is eco-friendly.

The bill

Avo hummus  64,000 IDR
Spicy mash with egg 58,000 IDR
Soy capuccino  45,000 IDR
Detox juice 35,000 IDR
Cacao elixir  49,000 IDR
Still water 25,00 IDR

 

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Organic Market, Marbella

Organic Market is Marbella’s top destination for a plant-powered brunch. They promote plant-based, organic eating and a chemical free approach to food. You can pick from their colourful superfood smoothies, or pile your plate high with nutritious veg from the salad bar, or simply pop in for a vegan cacao brownie and a quinoa croissant.

 

The setting

Located off the main road in the heart of Marbella, Organic Market is near the hip Marbella Club Hotel. You will find stylish hotels and cafés. The area is fairly quiet for most of the year but turns into a buzzing hotspot for tourists during summer.

The space

At Organic Market we loved the interior.

Matching green plants are printed on the wallpaper, sofas and cushions. There are mirrors, fresh greenery and wooden tables everywhere.

We sat outside on the bamboo-style wicker chairs to make the most of the Spanish sunshine. There are shady umbrellas and plenty of indoor seating too. The table service is fast and friendly and the WiFi connection allows you to get your laptop out and tap away while sipping on a matcha latte and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.

What else?

Loved by tourists, you’ll overhear at least a few different languages being spoken at Organic Market – lots of English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. In peak Summer season, it gets very busy, so you should make a reservation to be on the safe side. Although, the sizeable amount of seating means you’ll probably manage to get a table.

The fresh juice test

We decided to review also their signature green juice- the Victoria’s Secret. It  was made on-site from a refreshing blend of courgette, cucumber, apple, spinach, kale and lemon. You will love it!

What we ate

Organic Market has a range of organic plant-based, meaty, gluten-free and dairy-free options, catering for anyone and everyone.

We ordered the smashed avocado with edamame beans on seeded protein bread, as well as the Eggs Florentine – onions, potatoes and poached eggs served on a bed of spinach pancakes. Both dishes were delicious and beautifully presented on wooden boards. The Choco-nuts brownie was crammed with pecans and pistachios and was equally yummy.

The little things that make the difference

You can enjoy browsing the BioShop inside.You will find health food products from a variety of established and emerging brands.

Stock up on delicious raw chocolate, gluten-free cereals, olive oils, energy bars, kale chips, seeded crackers and so much more.

Plus, there’s a choice of healthy snacks such as raw chocolate, nut butters and gluten-free granola.

The bill

Victoria’s Secret  €8
Cappuccino  €3.50
Choco-nuts brownie  €6
Eggs florentine  €11
Avocado toast  €7

To book your trip to Marbella with our partners Expedia click here. 

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Wave, Hackney

WAVE stands for We Are Vegan Everything and is the brainchild of cupcake queens Cait and Soph. Their company ‘Cupcakes and Shhht’ is renowned for frosted cupcakes and cookie sandwiches. The duo created WAVE to offer good, honest and delicious food. The café is proudly fully vegan and on a mission to prove that vegan food is the future.

The setting

WAVE is a 5-minute walk from Hackney Central overground station. Set in a private courtyard with wide, bright glass doors and windows, the café has a large indoor and outdoor seating area.

The space

Outdoors the wooden tables are surrounded by small stools as well as a gorgeous ground seating area covered in patterned rugs, comfy cushions and cosy throws. Or you can relax in their numerous hanging egg chairs.  There are two outside and two hammock chairs inside too.

The light and airy nature of the café has a chilled-out Bali beach vibe.

There are cosy wooden sofas, plush pillows and lots of greenery – plants in vases, flowers on the tables and green foliage dotting the seating areas.

Inside you are welcomed with a well-stocked counter top of fresh sourdough cheese stuffed sandwiches, vegan cream and faux-salmon bagels as well as a selection of bakes, raw bakes and power snacks.

The fresh juice test

All the juices at WAVE are made in house. The Goodness Gracious Green is a vibrant  mix – a not too sweet blend of spinach, apple, spirulina, cucumber, lemon and ginger. It is a real refresher and feels packed with goodness.

We also had the Himalayan salted coffee which comes with oat milk as standard, as do all the hot drinks at WAVE. It tasted just like caramel. Served like a latte, rich and creamy, it tasted unique!

What we ate

The menu at WAVE is extensive with every dish sounding – and looking – delicious.

Decorated with edible flowers, fresh herbs and nuts and seeds, each dish is presented in beautiful stoneware crockery.

We chose the famous Brekky Bowl – a buddha bowl style breakfast feast. It’s filled with organic turmeric scrambled tofu with chives and black salt, basil toasted plum tomatoes, garlic and parsley fried mushrooms, smoky aubergine and avocado served with a fresh wedge of lemon, chilli flakes, mixed seeds, walnuts and rocket.  The dish is gluten-free and packed with flavour. The sticky glazed aubergine was the real highlight of the bowl.

We also had the Mac and Cheese – a creamy and light macaroni pasta in a vegan cheesy sauce topped with roasted tomatoes and broccoli, crispy kale, rich umami coconut bacon and fresh micro herbs.

We spotted slices of pink frosted strawberry and pistachio cake, thickly-stuffed cookie sandwiches, raw berry cheesecakes and peanut butter chocolate slices.

We chose the sticky and generously glazed cinnamon roll. It was subtly sweet and filled with so much cinnamon. Light and fluffy with a silky-smooth glaze, this bun is the perfect afternoon delight.

What we’d go back for

The staff are really friendly and informative, adding an inviting touch to the already incredible eatery.

The bill

Greens juice £5.00
Brekky bowl  £12.50
Mac and cheese £10.00
Salted coffee £3.50
Cinnamon roll £3.50

 

 

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Peloton Supershop, Bali

Know what a Peloton is? It’s a group of cyclists who bike together to build speed and conserve energy. They share the effort and strive to reach their goal as a group. The Peloton Supershop café has the same aim. It’s a café where people come together, share their journey and eat delicious plant-based food. Plus, it’s a restaurant and a bicycle store in one.

The location

The café is on the busy road Jl. Pantai Berawa, which connects Canggu and Seminyak. The easiest way to reach it is by taxi.

The space

From the outside, Peloton Supershop has huge, inviting windows. There’s no ground floor outside area, but it does have a second floor roof terrace. There’s a large sitting area (featuring bikes), and they have a communal table where you can sit on with a group or just by yourself. I chose the welcoming blue, soft couch with a wooden table. They also have super cute graphite blue tables. The service is very quick, even when it’s busy. I arrived around 4pm and it was still super crowded. There’s very strong working wifi, and it’s a great spot to work on your laptop!

The fresh juice test

Peloton Supershop have six juices and a selection of smoothies and shots.

I decided to review the Minty Magic juice. For me, it wasn’t really a juice, but more like a home-made lemonade with lemon, ginger and mint. The taste was mellow, but the juice still had a lot of flavour. They also have a choice of warm up, cool down and Ayurvedic drinks.

What we ate

Almost all their food is organic and made with local produce. They don’t use any palm oil in their kitchen and their used oils are donated to the Green school to fuel their Bio bus.

After eating a lot of rice and nasi, I was craving fresh salad so I picked the Powerhouse bowl with some sweet potato fries as a side and a carrot cake muffin as dessert.

The powerhouse bowl was filled with  greens, roasted pumpkin, broccoli, crunchy brown rice, marinated tempeh, carrot, cashews and hummus.

I also got toasted sourdough bread with garlic and an infused balsamic dressing for my salad. The salad bowl was huge and filling. The toast was deliciously toasted and the spread on it really finished everything off nicely.

The sweet potato fries were not super crunchy, but were still delicious. They were served with a homemade BBQ sauce which gave the perfect finishing touch to the dish and they came in a woven basket.

The carrot cake muffin was gluten free and huge. It was filled with grated carrot and a lot of raisins. On top was a huge layer of “cream cheese” and a walnut. The frosting made the muffin very sweet, but the cake itself was not too sweet and packed with flavour.

The bill

Sweet potato fries  35K IDR
Powerhouse bowl   75K IDR
Carrot muffin  45K IDR
Minty magic juice (Large)  30K IDR

 

 

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Cafe Organic, Bali

Café Organic base their menu and environment around wellbeing and sustainability. They support local farmers and they have also become a Bali Instagram sensation. They specialise in vegetarian and health-conscious meals with a farm to table concept. So, I had to check them out!

The setting

Café Organic has three locations- Seminyak, Canggu and Umalas. We went to the one in Seminyak which is near the famous beach club Potato Head and KYND Community. It’s on the main road which leads to all the hotels.

The space

They’ve surrounded their terrace with lush plants and palm tree parasols to create a more secluded, jungle vibe. Outside are picnic tables and inside the restaurant is split into two halves. On the left is a small lounge with wooden and bamboo chairs and a striking “garden gangsta’s” mural on the wall. There are homemade cakes and pies on display and the bar where they make all the fresh juices and coffees.

The café is surprisingly large. It has a central wall with soft sofas and a selection of tables.

The walls are full of art giving the restaurant a very modern look.

They have good working wifi, but I would advise against lingering at rush hour, since it gets very crowded. Café Organic is an Australian concept cafe, so expect a lot of tourists, Instagrammers and influencers. It’s well known so is always busy from around 10am.

The little things that make the difference

Even though the Seminyak location is in the busiest part of town, Café Organic feels calm with their lush terrace planting.

The fresh juice test

There is a good choice of juice options and they will also create one for you if you don’t like what’s on offer. We decided to review the Heart beet juice which was packed with apple, carrot, beetroot, ginger and lemon and had a pretty slice of pineapple on top of the glass. It had quite a savoury flavour, but the apple, ginger and lemon added enough sweetness.

The juice had a very beautiful deep purple and red colour and came with a metal straw. Go zero waste!

What we ate

Cafe Organic serves vegetarian and plant based food with several gluten free options. Each dish is made with the finest organic ingredients supporting local farmers, conscious agriculture and environmentally friendly products. Expect one of the longest menus you’ve ever seen with an insane amount of options.

Two of their smoothie bowls are served in a coconut shell, so obviously we had to try them. We ordered the Açai coco with an extra dot of homemade peanut butter, also we had the Troppo chia pudding, a mermaid latte and the Chocotella coffee tart.

The Açai coco was the most beautiful bowl that has ever been served to me.

The base was made of açai berries, raspberries, cranberries, banana and mango. It was beautifully topped with fresh banana, mango slices, strawberry slices, super crunchy granola, toasted coconut, almonds and blueberries. The toppings added the perfect finishing touch. The peanut butter (we added extra) was delicious, it had a super crunch and was not solid at all!

The Troppo was a chia pudding soaked in coconut yoghurt with stunning, purple homemade pitaya nice cream on top made out of pitaya, banana and cashew mylk. On top of this was another layer of Coyo,, house made crunchy granola and banana slices. The granola gave a perfect crunch to the dish.

The Chocotella coffee tart was one of their raw vegan treats and a very good choice. They decorated the cake with some shaved coconut, almonds and chocolate.

We also ordered a mermaid latte with almond mylk. The colour of the latte was a very earthy blue/grey colour and it had a different flavour than I expected, but the almond mylk did not really foam up sadly!

The bill

Heart beet 39K RPH
Açai coco  75K RPH
+ Homemade peanut butter 10K RPH
The Troppo  50K RPH
Chocotella coffee tart  45K RPH
Mermaid latte  40K RPH
+ Almond mylk

 

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Seed and Soil, Singapore

Seed and Soil is a must visit grab and go in Central Singapore. They make all their food and drinks fresh each day and avoid the use of dairy, gluten, chemical additives and preservatives. We couldn’t wait to review their signature smoothie bowls and test the large, cold-pressed juice selection.

The setting

Seed and Soil is in a tiny space in Tanjong Pagar Plaza near Chinatown. Take the green line to Tanjong Pagar or Outram Park.

The space

Seed and Soil is in a little open area set back from the traffic. You are welcomed with a large glass door featuring the Seed And Soil logo. Inside, there’s not a lot of space. There are two tables, four chairs and two wooden benches, as they’re essentially a take away. It wasn’t very busy when we sat down, although there was a stream of grab and go customers.

Seed and Soil blend the smoothie bowls fresh at the bar in the shop, which can be noisy.  There isn’t any wifi, but there is a public wifi signal to use.

The fresh juice test

What I liked about the large juice menu is that they divide the juices into four categories-rest and destress, protect and strengthen, care and preserve and detox and heal.

I got the 350ML Golden Palm juice which was a blend of Manuka honey, pineapple, orange, lemon, ginger and basil leaves from the rest and destress category.  The juice was a little spicy, because of the lemon and ginger, but the Manuka honey made it very smooth and soft on my throat.

What we ate

Seed and Soil serve 100% plant based smoothie bowls. Their best selling dish is the açai bowl. We ordered the large Morning Glory chia pudding and the large Green Glow smoothie bowl.

The chia pudding was soaked in some unsweetened soy milk and came with some fresh fruits, seeds, coco chips and nuts. We added some extra peanut butter on top.

The chia pudding wasn’t sweet, which meant the flavours were very pure.

However, although we ordered a large bowl, it was still quite small in terms of the toppings, especially as we paid more for extra peanut butter.

 

 

We also ordered the Green Glow which is a blend of spinach, banana, pineapple and coconut water. The bowl came with the same toppings as the Morning Glory: fresh fruits, seeds and coconut chips. Both the bowls had some hidden ground flaxseed as a first layer, which added a nice texture. The bowl wasn’t too sweet, but it was also a small portion.

The little things that make the difference

Seed and Soil also do cleanse packages featuring the juice range.

The bill

Morning glory (large) 12SGD
Green glow (large) 12SGD
Toppings top up 1SGD
Golden palm 350ml  10SGD

 

 

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It’s Pleat, White City

Mention H&M and you would be forgiven for thinking fast fashion and hot homeware. But now the Swedish trendsetter is taking on plant-based brunch and super lattes at their Westfield flagship store with It’s Pleat.

It’s Pleat, is an in-store café serving healthy breakfasts, lunches and treats throughout store opening hours. Plus everything is packaged in plant based, decomposable materials.

The setting

Set in the heart of the Westfield White City shopping centre, It’s Pleat adds a corner of  serenity the shopping mall. The café is H&M’s first in the UK, and their fourth globally. The first was launched in Stockholm in 2018.

Once inside, you’d have no idea that you were in a mega shopping centre. The café is kitted out with plants, marble and blush pink furniture and feels very calm.

The space

Even though this is a grab-and-go style set up, the café is well equipped for  eating in. They have super comfortable chairs and beautiful interiors and they also provide bronzed cutlery and stunning crockery for you to transfer your food onto, so you’re not eating out of a take-away box.

The little things that make a difference

They have seeded crackers by the counter for you to try whilst you’re paying. You can’t go wrong with a pre-lunch snack!

I also loved the fact they have a range of cookery and Lagom (move over Hygge) books dotted around for customers to flick through whilst enjoying their lunch.

The fresh juice test

I decided to review the green juice. It was really refreshing and contained 40% cucumber and so it wasn’t too sweet. As well as the cucumber,  it was loaded with apple, spinach, lemon and ginger. For me,  it could have done with a little bit more ginger for a real kick, but other than that it was very delicious.

What we ate

We had the rainbow salad which was beetroot tri-colour quinoa, with roasted turmeric cauliflower, three different types of hummus (sweet potato, beetroot and herby hummus), avocado and picked carrots and onions.

The salad was packed with a load of spices, textures, colours and flavours.

It was thoroughly enjoyable and well flavoured. I would definitely order it again. They also have a range of soups, sandwiches, salads and wraps meaning there really is something for everyone.

We also got the seaweed seeded cracker topped with beetroot hummus, which aside from being very aesthetically pleasing was absolutely delicious. The smooth hummus worked really well with the crunchy cracker.

Finally, we got a matcha latte. As a self-confessed matcha addict, I’ve tried my fair share of matchas around London and if I may go so far as to say this is one of the best I’ve had. It’s Pleat also offer a golden latte and a blush latte.

We passed on the sweet treats, although they had a large selection of energy balls, cakes, cookies and snacks to grab and go.

What we’d go back for…

If you’re an interior nerd, then you’ll be blown away by the bathrooms. They’re kitted out with blush pink floor tiles and pink walls. The plants are also a really soothing addition. The chilled music was a lovely edition to the calm vibes and quiet setting. I would really recommend visiting especially if you want a healthy option in Westfield and can’t wait to go back!

The bill

Rainbow salad  £7.90
Matcha latte  £3.90
Green juice  £3.70
Flatbread with beetroot hummus  £1.90

For more WestLondon inspiration click here. 

 

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Rainbow Rawfood, Tokyo

Rainbow Rawfood’s owner, Keiichi Kato had his healthy lightbulb moment when he dropped out of high school at 16 and left Japan for the US. There he began a new health regime of fruit for breakfast and fasting with enzyme juice. Next, he enrolled in cookery school to learn how to make raw vegan food. In 2010, he returned to Japan to open Rainbow Rawfood in Hamamatsucho. Now he’s relocated to Ebisu. I couldn’t wait to review this rare raw food gem.

The setting

Rainbow Rawfood is in Ebisu, a five minute walk from the metro station.  It’s on the eighth floor of the building and in the evening, after 5 pm, it becomes the Hemp Café and the menu changes. At this height, there’s a really  cool view of the area. Healthy hotspots KO-SO cafe and Marugo Deli Ebisu are nearby.

The space

Rainbow Rawfoods has menu boards outside, but you need to take the stairs or the elevator to its eighth floor location. The café has a Hawaiian theme and plays Hawaiian music. The chairs and tables are wooden with black padding and the wall is decorated with Hawaiian ornaments and a surfboard!  They also have a little balcony where you can sit.

The service is very quick and you could definitely get your laptop out to work, as I did. They have strong wifi.

The fresh juice test

The juice of the day was green and so thick- it was more like a smoothie. It changes daily depending on local market produce. Mine was made of pineapple, apple, spinach and fruit from Okinawa. I loved the taste, because I’d never tried the famous Okinawa fruit before.

What we ate

For lunch they offer set menus. The mains are raw sushi rolls or wraps with a juice of the day and a side dish.

Their whole menu is raw and vegan which is rare in Tokyo, especially with sushi  rolls.

I picked the raw sushi set, curry as a side dish and a raw pie as dessert. The raw sushi was mock monkfish liver, carrots, lettuce, avocado and cucumber. On the side was a raw pad thai salad of cabbage, a sour sauce and some toasted chopped walnuts. The curry was mini, but perfectly sized. It came with brown rice and was nice and warm.

I was full, but not bloated after my meal which I really liked, as I still had some room left for dessert. They have a selection of three raw pies, ice cream, pancakes and also a lava cake. I chose the hempseed cheese cake, with a strawberry and beets sauce. The flavour was very light and simple and the pastel pink sauce added a special vibe

The little things that make the difference

I loved the interior and the music, it gave all the Hawaiian vibes you need! It’s important to know they only accept cash.

The bill

Lunch menu 1350¥
Dessert 980¥

 

 

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Our favourite Glowcations, Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of our favourite cities. It’s packed with canals, art galleries, flower markets and museums. However, what attracts us most is the cool vibe and the huge choice of plant-based food. The selection of vegetarian and vegan cafés can be quite daunting. Luckily, two of our Glowstars, Fabienne Dobbe and Fleur Maat are local and Dutch, so we can really narrow down your hit list. Here’s our top three must visit vegan and vegetarian cafés in Amsterdam.

Lavinia Good Food, Centrum

Lavinia Good Food is a hidden gem in the historic centre of Amsterdam. Sat on the pretty Kerkstraat, between two canals, it is charming, laid back and serves a mean gluten-free pizza. The food is mostly vegetarian and vegan, but they also have some salmon dishes if you eat fish.

Lavinia has an all day brunch and lunch menu with lattes, juices, cocktails, beers and organic wines.

We suggest  ordering The Lavinia bowl with whole grain cous cous, roasted sweet potato, chickpeas, pickled red cabbage and home made hummus. Model Fabienne thinks the vegan vanilla pie is “a must! ”

To read more about Lavinia Good Food click here.

Juice Brothers, several locations

Our favourite spot for a vitamin packed juice is Juice Brothers. Founded in 2015 by four friends on a canal holiday, it’s now a huge success and has  several branches in Amsterdam, plus two in New York. We love their Haarlemmerbuurt branch with its view of the iconic ”Willemsbrug”. The café and grab and go is modern and minimal. You order at the bar and the eating area is upstairs.

Juice Brothers have a mega choice when it comes to drinks: ten juices, three tonics, three mylks, six shots and ten smoothies! We suggest the Unicorn’s Blood – a fresh and spicy mix of watermelon, pineapple, ginger and lemon.

And there’s the smoothie bowls… all the smoothie and açai bowls are made with made with non dairy organic products. We love their signature bowl the Almond açai.

Finally, they sell Van Leeuwen the vegan ice-cream brand. Fabienne and Fleur suggest grabbing one to go. Plant-based heaven.

To read more about Juice Brothers click here. 

The Meets, De Pijp

The Meets is in the Pijp, one of Amsterdam’s coolest neighbourhoods, packed with cafés and home to  the Albert Cuypmarkt street market.
This brick walled café focuses on locally sourced produce, using organic ingredients as much as possible and staying away from refined sugars . The menu is international.  It includes açai bowls and kimchi toast for breakfast, fresh spring rolls, beetroot balls for lunch (a healthier vegan alternative for the famous Dutch ‘bitterbal’ which is a deep fried ball of minced meat)  and Sicilian eggplant stew or Pad Thai for dinner.

On the drinks front, student Fleur loves their fresh coconuts with lime juice,

“I have tasted many fresh coconuts in my life (in Vietnam, Malaysia and Bali), but I must say this was one of the best coconuts I ever had!”.

Also, don’t miss their blue smoothie. The ‘Samui Blue’ consists of banana, mango, coconut water, whey protein, spirulina and bee pollen.

To find out more about The Meets click here.

 

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Wild Food Café, Islington, North London

Wild Food Café in Islington is a far cry from the cosy, rustic feel of their Neal’s Yard location, but it’s just as inviting and a short walk from Highbury and Islington tube on Upper Street.

Wild Food Café strive to find the most nourishing and inspiring ingredients available. Their sources include wild crafted and foraged foods from pristine eco systems, small organic farmers and ethical and local suppliers.  Everything is raw, plant based and, I think, delicious.

The space

The interiors feel sleek and millennial. There is also much greenery, with marble tabletops and pink detailing to round off the beautiful, open space.

Founders Aiste and Joel have created the most aesthetic, innovative feel to their second location, which is reflected in the food served.

The little things that make a difference

From the plants to the open kitchen, the stylistic details are what make the open space so magnificent. I’m a sucker for an open kitchen, complete with pizza oven and breakfast bar, as it allows for an element of transparency. There is no fear in presenting the labour behind the food, the ingredients and process behind every dish.

Whilst there are plugs and yes, there is WiFi, Wild Food Café will always first and foremost be a restaurant. You could sit for the odd hour or so with your laptop, especially as the environment feels ever so calming, but I wouldn’t stay more than that. There are so many other options on Upper Street to set up camp for the afternoon, save Wild Food for a magic elixir with friends, or a blowout brunch date.

The fresh juice test

I’ve had many a green juice at the Neal’s Yard branch. The Vibrant Green I decided to review contains celeriac, sea beet, watercress, nettle, sea purslane, mint and apple. However, it is the smoothies and hot elixirs that I urge you to try. From a rose hot chocolate to the cacao ecstasy I guzzled, they are every so dreamy.

What we ate

Each plate can only be described, as a masterpiece in its own right. Every dish as different in structure, flavour and finish as a row of art works in a gallery.  In my opinion, there is nowhere in London quite like it. It’s the main reason I keep coming back. The menu combines both the healing nature of food with the taste and presentation of a Michelin star restaurant.

The menu changes with the seasons introducing new ingredients, medicinal plants, adaptogens and herbs.

 

We had the Italian pizza  made with marinara sauce, cashew cheese sauce, cherry tomatoes, wild leaf pesto, sun-blushed artichokes, pink olives, rocket, basil and nori and the Fawaffle.

It was a falafel waffle served with cashew and mint cream, sweet chilli sauce, red cabbage slaw, pepper and tomato salsa and sprouted lentil hummus.

They were both part of the weekend lunch menu. The menu during the week varies. Then we shared the limited edition Easter egg, part of the Easter weekend specials. This dessert was the star of the show. The white chocolate cream was gloriously fluffy and decadent and formed a lovely sweet bed for the double-layered chocolate egg to sit on, filled with hazelnut praline. This was seasonal, but it’s worth saying that there’s always an amazing selection of raw desserts year round.

What we’d go back for…

Dessert. I won’t stop until I’ve tried every sweet dish on the menu.  Plus, the staff themselves who greet you so warmly as you walk through the door and serve each plate with love are another reason to return.

The bill

Vibrant green juice  £8
Italian pizza  £15.50
Fawaffle  £12.50
Desserts from  £7.50

 

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Wild Beets, Ibiza

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Away from the clubs, beaches and hippy markets, Ibiza is undergoing a lifestyle shift towards healthy food. At the forefront of this is Cliff Grubin -the man behind the island’s first juice bar on Benirras Beach and the iPurify juice brand.  He also runs Wild Beets, a gem of a plant-based café in Santa Gertrudis. The food is fresh, organic and seasonal and the eatery is dedicated to innovative vegan cooking.

The setting

Wild Beets is in pretty Santa Gertrudis, one of Ibiza’s loveliest villages in the centre of the island. The village is known for gourmet food and upmarket shops.

The space

Wild Beets is a stylish white cube of a building set back from the road. It’s fronted by a mini-jungle of bamboos and palms in planters that surround a sunny terrace. Inside is equally white and light with warm woods and pot plants. It’s busy when we arrive on an April day.

The fresh juice test

Wild Beets is home to the iPurify juice brand.

The range of 15 juices promise to energise the body by providing an instant and intense shot of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. So, there’s a pretty impressive choice.

We decided to review the green Vitality. It was packed with spinach, chard, romaine, carrot, cucumber, celery, parsley, lemon, dandelion greens and ginger. It was refreshing and super tasty. There are also fruit and superfood smoothies and elixirs on offer. We chose a Mango Tango fruit smoothie. It was a zingy mix of mango, banana and orange.

What we ate

Wild Beets has quite an extensive vegan menu.

We eventually went for the tacos – a raw combination of cabbage slaw, guacamole, pico de gallo and cacao mole in two vegetable tortillas.

Plus a Veggie Burger – a veggie pattie with buckwheat millet bread, guacamole, caramelised onions, roast potato, sweet potato, miso gravy and homemade ketchup. It’s worth noting that the kitchen is dedicated to creating as nutrient rich food as it can – all based on scientific evidence and the extensive research of the founder Grubin.

What else?

The iPurify range of cold-pressed juices can be also be packaged as systemised cleanses for home delivery or collection. You can also get in touch to discuss tailor-made programmes. If you visit Benirras beach, make sure you visit the sister establishment Sejuiced for juices and smoothies.

What we’d go back for…

The setting, the food and the juices.

Next time we want to leave room for the extensive and picture perfect dessert menu…

The bill

Juice  €11.50
Medium fruit smoothie  €6
Tacos  €15.50
Veggie Burger  €17.50

 

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Vegan Bowls, Barcelona

Vegan Bowls is plant-based, plastic free and popular throughout Barcelona. It may be tiny, but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to serving up plant-based food.

The setting

Vegan Bowls is centrally placed near Plaça Catalunya and the shopping district. You can take the L2 metro to Universidat or the bus D50 to Ronda Universitat.

The space

The baby pink payment desk is stacked with their delicious plant-based doughnuts and famous cookies. Inside, they only have two tables with four chairs in total. They are mainly take away.

The white painted walls are made of wood with their colourful logo on either side. They have a good working wifi. However, I would definitely not recommend lingering with your laptop. There’s basically no space for it!  It’s very popular with all ages, so you may have to queue for a while.

The fresh juice test

I loved the green detox juice.

They made it fresh in front of me.  It had pineapple, organic apple juice, mint ginger and kale in it.  It was sweet, but you could taste the hint of veg in it, a very good mix!

What we ate

Vegan bowls has a surprisingly large menu for such a small take away spot. They specialise in bowls like smoothie bowls, toasts and savoury bowls but they also have a huge selection of plant based treats, healthy (and unhealthy).

Their food is super colourful!

I decided to review the Red curry, one of their muffins and their famous vegan chocolate chip cookie.

The curry was warm and filling and made of coconut milk, chickpeas, sweet potato and tofu. It comes with brown rice and beautifully topped with kale, sliced almonds, edible flowers and sprouts! The curry had a very thick coconut flavour and was packed with chickpeas.

The waitresses suggested I try the cookie.  It’s not very healthy, but it’s definitely worth a go. You won’t believe that it is plant-based, because it’s so incredible. The outside is super crunchy, but when you break it open the inside is still soft and moist.

Finally the muffins. They have four kinds of muffins: with nuts, banana, blueberry and apple. All the muffins are sugar and gluten free. The outside is crispy and well baked, the inside is a softer texture.

The little things that make the difference

They offer a delivery service via Deliveroo and Glovo.

The bill

Curry  €9,40
Muffin  €2,80
Cookie  €2,70
Green detox juice  €5,00

 

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Lavinia Good Food, Amsterdam

Lavinia Good Food is a hidden gem in the historic centre of Amsterdam. Sat on the pretty Kerkstraat, between two canals, it is charming, laid back and serves a mean gluten-free pizza. If you’re visiting Amsterdam or a local who loves healthy food, then it’s a must visit.

The setting

Lavinia Goodfood is based on the Kerkstraat. It’s close to the flower market and near other healthy hotspots like Delicious Deshima, Stach and SLA. Take tram 2, 11 or 12 to the Prinsengracht of Keizersgracht and from there it’s a five minute walk. There are also plenty of art galleries and vintage shops in the area.

The space

The space is charming and cosy. Outside there’s kitsch yellow furniture in front of the windows,  so you can sit outside and relax in the sun. Inside is brick walled with wooden furniture and lots of wood tables – mostly for two,  but they also have a huge sharing table.

The decor is very kitsch- cute plates and miss matched items stylishly combined.

Around lunch time it can get very packed. There’s great wifi and you can definitely take your laptop out and work, but not at lunch or brunch times since it is too busy. There’s another branch in Amstelveenseweg in Oud Zuid.

The crowd

What’s funny is the waiters are English – they’re not Dutch! Lavinia is really popular with a younger crowd, especially students.

What else?

You can eat in or take away and Lavinia also sells items like juicers, superfoods and even some gardening supplies.

The fresh juice test

Lavinia has a choice of fresh juices and lemonades. We had the green juice.  It was a mix of spinach, celery and apple. The juice wasn’t too sweet, despite the apple, and it contained lots of veg.

What we ate

Lavinia Goodfood serves a bit of everything. The menu is mostly vegetarian and vegan, but they also have some dishes with salmon. Lavinia has an all day brunch and lunch menu with lattes,  juices, cocktails, beers and organic wines. They also have some gluten-free options.

For my review, I had the Açaï bowl, Lavinia’s vegan bowl and a vanilla pie to finish off lunch. The portions were satisfyingly large and colourful. The acaï bowl came with cheese which we switched for coconut yoghurt. It didn’t really taste like acaï, more like a smoothie bowl, but this wasn’t a bad thing.

The bowl came with a very delicious and crispy granola which was gluten-free with coconut chips, fresh fruits and a drizzle of agave on top.

The Lavinia bowl was our savoury choice. It was whole grain cous cous, roasted sweet potato, chickpeas, pickled red cabbage, home made hummus and we also added some vegan “bacon” made out of mushrooms. All the ingredients were perfectly balanced. There was something creamy, something warm, something crunchy and something refreshing due to the pickled cabbage.

The vanilla pie was a must! They had a choice of vegan, gluten free pastries, but also traditional choices like dutch apple pie.

The vegan vanilla pie was a two layered cake with jam in the middle and and white icing on top. Topped off with some roasted almonds, blueberries and an extra drizzle of maple syrup. The cake was not dry at all, it had so much flavour and a really spongy texture.

The little things that make the difference

You can rent out Lavinia Good Food on the Kerkstraat for events.

The bill

Açai bowl  €9,50
+ coconut yoghurt  €2
Lavinia’s bowl  €11,50
+veggie bacon  €2,50
Green juice  €6,50
Vanilla cake  €4,50

 

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Shanklin, Melbourne

Shanklin provides “modern Australian cuisine that’s simple, creative and delicious”. And they are at the top of their game with ‘Instagrammable’ food. We’re talking Oreo pancake stacks, rainbow bowls, edible flowers and latte art on a whole new level.

The space

Shanklin is set in the suburb of Hawthorn East. They’ve got a huge indoor area, plus a sheltered courtyard with outdoor seating and they’ve got outdoor heating too. Decor-wise, they have a range of photo-worthy backdrops for all your food photography.

Brick walls, grey concrete walls and distressed wooden tables, it’s a food bloggers dream.

The little things that made a difference…

The owner Francis always greets everyone with such a warm and friendly welcome. He makes you feel like he’s welcoming you into his home.

The fresh juice test

Shanklin do freshly squeezed single juice, but don’t have a green juice. So, for my review, I went for a  green smoothie which was the perfect blend of kale, banana and coconut water. Earthy and sweet all in one. Plus, we had the berry red Açai smoothie which was super refreshing.

What we ate

You have to try their Nutella stuffed pancakes. These are served with berries, grilled banana, vanilla ice cream and Oreo crumbles. They are beyond delicious, but seriously indulgent so make sure you bring a friend to share them with.

We also tried their Super Green which was my personal favourite. It’s smashed avocado on sourdough toast, with goats cheese, grilled asparagus, spinach, pea puree and dukkah.

You will find it such a simple combination, but they manage to make it look like a masterpiece.

Finally, we also got to try their portobello mushroom which is their speciality and the chef’s recommendation. This is served with roasted red pepper, halloumi, poached eggs and chilli oil. It’s a flavour sensation.

What we’d go back for…

To have all my favourite food available on one menu at one place.

The bill

Nutella Pancakes  $22
Super Green $22
Portobello Mushroom  $23
Green Smoothie $12
Açai Smoothie  $12

 

 

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My Mother’s Daughters, Lisbon review

Created by three daughters and their mother, My Mother’s Daughters is a gem of a café. You can find it in the oh so pretty Largo de São Sebastião where the local area is  buzzing with style, colour and a sense of community.

When one of the daughter’s turned to a plant-based diet, her mother learnt to cook new recipes which led to a very special eatery. The sisters are passionate about using locally sourced, sustainable produce. They don’t use any animal products and everything is prepared with family love.

The setting

It’s a fairly small venue set back up some steep steps. Our tip is to bring a book and be prepared for a wait. They’ve kindly put some cushions outside for you to sit on. If you are lucky you might be able to get one of the tables outside in the Lisbon sunshine.

The space

The café is immaculately designed.

It’s light and bright with shiny white tiles, locally sourced glass lighting, pale blue and white cushions and delicately engraved oak tables and chairs.

The staff are super friendly and relaxed.

The little things that make a difference

The family aim for zero waste. They use fruit peel in their pretty water carafes and the napkins are recycled. It’s a family business and you can see all the sisters hard at work front of house and in the kitchen.

 

The fresh juice test

We tried the signature Mada’s Greenie Smoothie a delicious mix of apple, pineapple, spinach, cucumber, ginger and spirulina. Next we had a refreshing carrot orange, ginger and basil juice. Both were delicious!

What we ate

We decided to review the beetroot smoothie bowl with black rice and tofu which tasted as good as it looked. Then we tried the Mexicano Taco. It was two home made tacos filled with black beans spread, sweet potato, corn, avocado, red cabbage and red onion pickle and a “queso” sauce topping.

For desert, there was a stunning display of raw options and amazing tarts.

What we’d go back for…

We loved the design, the food and the family story behind the Glowcation.

The bill

Mada’s greenie smoothie  €4
Carrot juice  €4
Beetroot Smoothies Bowl €12
Mexicano taco €12

 

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Ain Soph, Tokyo

Owner Yuki Shirai’s message is to fill yourself with love by filling yourself with beautiful plant-based food. So all the plates they serve at Ain Soph are full of caring and loving thoughts. We couldn’t wait to visit.

The setting

Ain Soph has multiple locations in the city. They’re all different with their own menus. I decided to review their café in Ginza, an expensive shopping district in Tokyo. It’s a minute’s walk away from the Higashi-ginza metro stop and near  healthy hotspots  like Aloha Table and T’s Tan Tan.

The space

Ain Soph is modern, with traditional Japanese touches.

As you enter, you can buy home-made sweets and cold pressed juices. If you want to eat in, they lead you to the first floor to the small dining area. There’s polished concrete walls and varnished wooden furniture. There’s seven tables for two that can be joined together and a wooden bench with cushions.

Although it’s very busy and usually full, it’s very quiet inside. So much so that my friend and I felt uncomfortable talking. Ain Soph have wifi which works really well. However, I wouldn’t recommend working there for long, as it was packed around lunchtime.

The little things that make the difference

The room is quite cold (in the winter),  so they supply blankets for everyone.

What we ate

Ain Soph serves plant based food with a Japanese twist. For lunch they have a tiny set menu which is also very Japanese. You can pick curry, bento or pancakes.

We chose the curry and the pancakes. All the set menus come with a side salad and a cup of Japanese tea, black tea or coffee. The salad came first. It was a simple salad with a choice of raw vegetables and a delicious miso dressing.

This salad certainly proved that simple can be delicious.

The curry was a warming mix of several kinds of mushrooms and came with brown rice. Again simple, but really delicious. The mushrooms added a meaty texture to the curry.

Finally, the pancakes. Fluffy pancakes are very Japanese, you’ll see them everywhere on the streets, but Ain Soph’s are totally plant based which made us super curious.  At first sight, they looked a bit dry, but when we sliced into them they were deliciously soft and airy on the inside. The toppings were beautifully sliced fresh fruit and a home made blueberry jam. Plus, in three separate bowls we got extra toppings of agave syrup, soy whipped cream with chopped nuts and sesame and finally vanilla ice cream.

The bill

Pancake with side salad and Japanese green tea  2678¥
Curry with side salad and Japanese green tea  1814¥

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Pure Green, NYC, NoHo

Pure Green want to inspire us to develop healthy habits, feel good and enjoy colourful food. They promote this healthy lifestyle with their cold pressed juices, fresh smoothies and snacks across their seven NYC branches. I always head to their NoHo branch for an açai bowl and smoothie to power up before walking back to Brooklyn.

The location

The Pure Green I reviewed is in one of my favourite areas of New York. You can find it close to the trendy Washington Park in NoHo and it’s the perfect stop before exploring Greenwich Village or the East Village. This cool neighbourhood is packed with good shopping addresses and cute cafés to stop by.

The space

Pure Green locations all adopt the same interior design- large fridges packed with fresh colourful juices, a marble bar counter with an open kitchen and a modern, minimalist décor.

The crowd

As this location is right next to NYU, it’s buzzing with students who either sit and study at the bar or grab their order to go. It’s not really a space designed to sit for a long time, but the bar stools are comfortable.

The fresh juice test

I ordered the Purple Haze smoothie with blueberries, strawberries, banana, spirulina, plant-based protein, agave and coconut water.

It left me shivering on the icy cold and snowy day of my visit, but it tasted good! You have the option of adding a “booster” to your smoothie like protein or green powder mix.

What we ate

Pure Green specialises in açai bowls, juices and smoothies. They offer five different kinds of açai bowl and one pitaya bowl. I picked the Coconut and Chia bowl which is an açai base blended with mango, pineapple, banana and coconut water and then topped with apple, blueberries, coconut and their hemp granola. I asked to switch the apple for strawberries on top and I think it tasted even better. The consistency of their bowls is good and thick and the portion size very fair.

I wanted to order their Avocado Smash toast with fresh lemon juice, Himalayan salt, scallions, cucumber and radish, but unfortunately they were out of avocado and waiting on a delivery. So I chose a shot called the Cherry Bomb with cherry, probiotics, Himalayan salt and filtered water for a concentrate of nutrients instead. You have to be used to the sharp taste of shots and concentrated ingredients, but I liked it.

The little things that make a difference…

The open counter and large open fridges make the space super colourful and bright. One of their specialties is cold pressed juice which means that they press the fruit or veg without heat to retain all of their nutrients.

Pure Green supports local organic farms and only use non-GMO organic and in-season produce.

What we’d go back for…

One thing I appreciated is that they try to make grabbing a fresh juice as convenient as possible. You can order online to have juice delivered direct to your door and there’s an online subscription program.

The bill

Coconut Chia Açai Bowl  $9.25
Purple Haze Smoothie  $9.00
Cherry Bomb  $3.75

 

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Juice Generation, NYC

I am always on the lookout for a cool juice pitstop when I am travelling. New York’s Juice Generation is a must. Famous for their signature juices, smoothies and now açai bowls, Juice Generation try to make eating enough fresh ingredients a day more accessible. I decided to check out their Lexington branch to see if it is really the best grab “n” go across NYC if you are craving a little freshness in your day.

The setting

The branch I reviewed is between 52nd and 53rd street on buzzing Lexington. It is a short walk from the famous 5th Avenue shops and Central Park. I recommend grabbing a juice and then going for a stroll in the park.

The space

Juice Generation has several different locations and they all vary in size. This one is compact, but I have also been to the one in the Financial District which is larger with a seating area. E53rd St just has a standing bar. But it’s not really a place where people sit and linger, the style is much more takeaway.

There are nice design touches like the wooden countertops, subway tiles, black and white drawing of fruit and veg and chalk boards.

The crowd

The crowd is very diverse : students rushing to class, mums wearing yoga pants, business workers, carers and children. Juices are good for everyone after all.

The fresh juice test

I chose the Hi-Fibe green smoothie which is large blend of spinach, kale, cucumber and green apple. This juice is rich in leafy greens and they told me it was rich in vitamin K, iron, vitamin C, folate and fibre. All of which are good for skin health and a natural glow. The smoothie itself is very fresh, but still has a nice thick texture.

 

What we ate

As this meal was my brunch, I decided to go all raw vegan and have a selection of what Juice Generation offers. As a fan of açai bowls, a taste I developed living in LA, I had to order one. I chose the Aloha Açai for its many fresh toppings including strawberries, banana slices, pineapple, mango, kiwi, coconut, hemp and granola. It was just as I like my açai, not too watery and lush.

In the spirit of going fully into a detox, I tried their Defender Shot which burns! I’m a fan, but it is definitely not for everyone. It is a strong concentrate of ginger, lemon, turmeric, cayenne and oil of oregano which is supposed to reduce inflammation and support recovery. I also got one of their Vital Shots to go which has a blend of ginger, lemon and cayenne.

The little things that make a difference…

I loved that they have large open fridges with a selection of juices to grab and go. They also serve fresh coconuts to drink from. The service is very fast, which is nice considering how hectic and people packed New York feels.

What we’d go back for…

All the utensils and cups are made from sustainable materials.

You can also get a discount by using a glass container. Juice Generation prioritises using locally sourced fresh ingredients and supporting farmers. They have a “grow it back” programme to help communities, as well and donate a portion of ever sale to charity like Harlem Grown and animal sanctuaries. Also, actress Salma Hayek has collaborated with Juice Generation to create a line of juices and a cleanse home-delivery programme.

The bill

Hi-Fibe Smoothie  $8.95
Aloha Açai Bowl  $10.95
Defender Shot   $3.95

 

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Les Filles, Bayswater

Les Filles is the third restaurant in the LLS chain created by the inspirational plant-based restauranteurs, sisters Sonia and Hayet Zaame. Their other branches include LLS Hampstead and LLS Waterloo. Les Filles is an Australian inspired café and turns fresh, healthy ingredients into beautifully presented sumptuous dishes avoiding chemicals. The menu focuses on vegan-friendly food, but offers something for everyone, whether or not you’re vegetarian.

The setting

Les Filles is a short walk from Lancaster Gate station, between Bayswater and Paddington. It’s close to Hyde Park for an after walk latte.

The space

The street is quiet and the ambience is relaxing inside. Pick a wooden table with blue velvet stools to perch on, or curl up in the cosy cushioned spot by the window.

The wallpaper showcases artwork and quotes, reflecting the restaurant’s mission which is “everyone leaves feeling that little bit better”.

There’s an impressive selection of vegan and gluten-free desserts, such as carrot cake and banana bread on display. The table service was excellent too- fast, friendly and incredibly helpful when it came to allergies!

The crowd

The café is popular among customers of all ages and attracts many vegans for a vast selection of plant-based food, although it does also cater for meat-eaters too. When I visited for my review, it wasn’t too busy which made it easy to get a table. Dogs are also welcome!

The fresh juice test

We chose a freshly made Mean Green Juice – a nutrient-dense concoction of apple, cucumber, celery, kale and ginger.

In addition, we ordered a matcha latte with almond mylk and a beetroot latte with oat mylk, which came with a gorgeous sprinkle of dried rose petals.

What we ate

The menu places an emphasis on vegan and vegetarian food, yet they offer everything from poached eggs to chicken sandwiches. We shared two breakfasts. The porridge infused with earl grey tea was cooked in coconut mylk to creamy perfection and decorated with a variety of fresh fruit and an edible flower adding an elegant touch. We also had the stack of buckwheat pancakes served with mixed berries, sliced banana, a dollop of coconut cream and lashings of sweet date syrup.

The pancakes were flawlessly fluffy and the earl grey porridge had a truly unique flavour.

What we’d go back for…

The buckwheat pancakes and the colourful lattes plus the wonderful service!

The bill

Buckwheat pancakes  £8.95
Porridge  £6.50
Mean Green Juice  £4.50
Matcha latte  £4.00
Beetroot latte  £3.40

 

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Redemption, Covent Garden

Why should socialising always be at the expense of your health? That’s what two female entrepreneurs behind Redemption asked themselves as they created what they believe to be the world’s healthiest bar restaurant, serving up vegan, sugar-free and wheat free food with an alcohol-free bar. Their motto is ‘spoil yourself without spoiling yourself’.

The setting

Like the sister restaurants in Notting Hill and Shoreditch, Redemption Covent Garden is super cool. It’s decorated with white marble table tops, green plants, golden glowing overhead lights and their signature pink neon Redemption logo. It’s set just back from Seven Dials and backs onto Neal’s Yard. Customers include tourists and Londoners. You can also get take out.

The fresh green juice test

Redemption are known for their exotic and beautiful non-alcoholic cocktails, served in high glasses, with paper straws and garnished with fresh fruit and herbs.

I chose the “green” Apple Mockjito from their “fruities” menu, which was refreshing and sweet. It was made with muddled apple pressé, lots of fresh mint and lime wedges topped with sparkling mineral water. They also offer green avocado smoothies, but we tried the healing and heart-warming Bombay Love- a  blend of turmeric, ginger, lemon, coconut kefir, coconut milk and coconut yoghurt topped with coconut flakes. It  was revitalising and very healthy.

What we ate

You can choose from a comforting bowl of bolognese and brown rice penne pasta, their black bean chimichurri on homemade flaxseed and sunflower seed toast or a sweet stack of coconut oil buckwheat pancakes.

We enjoyed the buddha bowl, which is altered daily. When i visited it was a combo of fresh kale salad, grilled Mediterranean vegetables, mixed beans and  olives, beetroot hummus, turmeric roasted cauliflower and simple quinoa salads.

We also tried the Californication – a combo of roasted sweet potato and red onion hash with Tamari mushrooms, kale and spinach with rosemary and lemon. The sweet potato wedges were tender and the onion was sticky and sweet to contrast the salty umami greens and mixed mushrooms.

 

For dessert, we were tempted by their raw Banoffee and key lime pie cheesecakes, but chose the rich and fudge chocolate hazelnut brownie and the chocolate chip cookie. The brownie was light and spongey and the cookie was crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle. Both were served with creamy coconut yoghurt and edible flowers.

It’s hard to believe both are completely vegan and gluten-free.

What we’d go back for…

The buddha bowl and the chocolate hazelnut brownie!

The bill

Bombay love smoothie  £5.50
Apple Mockjito  £4.75
Buddha Bowl £8.95
Californication £9.25
Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie £3.75
Chocolate Chip Cookie £2.40

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Sky High Juice Bar, Tokyo

Sky High Juice Bar began with the philosophy of creating a place to boost your health and beauty, both on the inside and outside, through cold-pressed juices and fresh salads. They only use 100% organic and plant-based produce and serve some of the best take away juices in Tokyo.

The setting

There are three locations in Tokyo: one in Hiroo, one in Shinjuku and one in Aoyama. We reviewed the one in Aoyama, their first and largest branch. It’s conveniently near other health hotspots like Elle Café and 8ablish. Also, at the weekends, there is a farmers’ market close by at the University of the United Nations.

The space

The café is hidden behind a stairway, so look out for their signs outside with their menu.  Inside is compact. They have two small counters with six chairs, but they’re mainly focussed on take aways not eat in.

I was the only one eating in, but it was busy with people coming in for take aways. Service was quick.

The shelves and chairs are wooden and decorated with beautiful vases and flowers.

On the counter, they also have a little glass display with their gluten free and vegan pastries.  They have a really good working wifi, but I’m not sure if this is the most relaxing spot to sit down and work at.

The fresh juice test

Sky High Juice bar is known for their cold pressed juices and smoothies, but also serves smoothie bowls and gluten free treats.

Everything is organic and 100% plant based. The day I reviewed, they had seven juices to choose from which were pre-bottled in the fridge.

I chose the “Lifer” which was a mix of beets, pineapple, ginger, burdock, cucumber, grapefruit, turmeric, black pepper and liver tonic.

I only had half of the juice bottle, so they poured the other half of my juice in a plastic cup, which kind of upset me a bit… although the juice was really good.  All the flavours were there.  It wasn’t too sweet, but also not really veggie like. The juice was also had a hint of spice, because of the pepper, turmeric and ginger.

What we ate

I ordered the relax smoothie bowl and a gluten free strawberry muffin. The smoothie-bowl was not super frozen, which I really liked, so I could eat it straight away without getting a brain freeze! The base was a blend of banana, mango, pineapple and oranges.

It was sweet, but I loved it. It was topped off with banana, kiwi, blueberries, frozen raspberries and blackcurrants, coco chips, chia seeds, goji berries and some puffed granola.

They served this beauty in a small coconut bowl with a bamboo spoon which made me super happy and gave me Bali vibes straight away! Finally,  I wanted to try out one of their home-made vegan treats. My attention went straight to the strawberry muffin.  It was so beautiful and red. Surprisingly, it had little coconut chips and berries in it, adding an interesting texture. The muffin was made out of rice flour, which made it gluten free and chewy.

The little things that make the difference

If you’re feeling lazy or you have just landed and need it sent to your hotel, Sky High Juice bar is on über eats!

The bill

Relax smoothie bowl 1500¥
Lifer juice 1000¥
Strawberry muffin 350¥

 

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Treehouse Lounge, Melbourne

Treehouse Lounge was already a go-to spot for most locals in St Kilda. But, with a recent renovation, and new management, it’s looking better than ever. We’re talking new menu, new staff and updated decor. The Treehouse facelift is what everyone in Melbourne is talking about.

The setting

Treehouse Lounge is on Carlisle Street in St Kilda’s Balaclava, the heart of café culture in Melbourne. It’s also a great hub for cool shops.

The space

It’s like an indoor treehouse come to life- restored wood and hanging plants. My favourite part is the bright natural light that floods in through the huge window … obviously a bonus when it comes to food photography!

Treehouse Lounge uses natural, earthy, elements to create a relaxed vibe for meeting friends or sitting and working using the free WiFi.

The little things that make a difference

The team go above and beyond. Once you’re greeted with a big smile and a friendly chat, the staff and owner do whatever you can to make your experience a pleasant one. They support local small businesses and giving back to the community.

The fresh juice test

As they’ve recently re-opened, they’re still fine tuning their juice menu. Fresh juices will be on the cards, but for now it’s all about the matcha lattes by Matcha Maiden, turmeric lattes by Golden Grind and the Treehouse homemade smoothies to quench your thirst.

What I ate

There are so many delicious plant-based friendly options on the menu, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From pulled jackfruit tacos to a vegan chilli tofu scramble.

For my review, I went for three stunning dishes that delivered a serious taste sensation. The first was the ‘Not Just Avocado’, and they’re right.  It goes far beyond any avo smash I’ve ever had. Imagine thick smashed avocado on multi-grain sourdough bread, with rainbow beetroot slices, roasted heirloom carrots, fresh lime, toasted seeds, ricotta mousse and a poached egg.

I also tried their Roasted Cauliflower and Kale Salad which is now my new favourite dish. It’s packed with kale, roasted cauliflower, pumpkin hummus, toasted seeds, fresh pomegranate, two poached eggs and dukkah.

It’s the perfect combo of fresh, hearty and filling all in one.

Last, but not least, was the Heirloom Carrot Salad. This is served with barley, crunchy roasted chickpeas, caramelised roasted carrots, pomegranate seeds, kale, a poachie and a delicious tahini yoghurt dressing. Yum!

For dessert, they’re also the first and only cafe in Melbourne to have the Thai born smoothie bowl brand, NanaBowls on the menu. They’re exclusively serving the Peanut Butter Salted Caramel and the Strawberry Bliss flavours… all with extra toppings. I’m biased as we created the company, but they’re delicious!

What we’d go back for…

The challah french toast. Who wouldn’t glow when you’re served a soft thick piece of french toast with nut crumble, toasted hazelnuts, Nutella mousse, fresh berries and a roasted marshmallow?

The bill

Matcha latte  $5.50
Not Just Avocado  $18
Cauliflower and kale salad  $18.90
Heirloom carrot salad  $18
Peanut butter salted caramel Nana Bowl  $15
Challah french toast  $18.50

 

 

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Caravan Bankside, Southwark

Need a London café close to the Tate Modern that ticks all the boxes? Caravan Bankside is a Southwark must visit for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just coffee and a home brewed kombucha. They cater for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters. Our verdict? It doesn’t just entice, it delights and delivers.

The location

Caravan Bankside is located in an old metal box factory in this achingly cool area of  Southwark, a stone’s throw from the Tate Modern. It’s also an easy walk to the Menier Chocolate Factory, The Globe Theatre and Borough Market.

The space

The spacious café has retained many original 19th century features and has a warm, industrial feel.

Imagine large windows, white columns, stripped wood and metal girders. You could easily spend the day here with your laptop or celebrate with a large group.

 

What else

Caravan Bankside is the third branch of Caravan. Their mixed menu is also on offer at Exmouth Market, King’s Cross, Fitzrovia and in the City. They also brew their own immune boosting kombucha and shrubs.

The fresh juice test

As well as fresh juices, shots and milk blends (hot and cold), Caravan Bankside brew their own immune boosting ferments and pro-biotic sodas.

The ginger and galangal soda and the pomegranate kombucha sounded particularly appealing. In the end, we decided to review two fresh juices. First, the cucumber, apple, parsley, spinach and sorrel which was a prefect balance of sweet and bitter. Next we tested the beetroot, cucumber, cayenne and lemon. We’d never had beetroot in a juice without apple before, but didn’t miss it, as there was enough sweetness and it was refreshingly light.

What we ate

Caravan serves up a little bit of everything from across the globe; from small plates and snacks to larger dishes.

We began with snacks and chose the the stilton and peanut wantons with ketjap dip.

They were crisp and exquisite. We followed with the charred hispi cabbage, sweet miso, blue cheese and thai basil. This dish was even more heavenly, with the sweet miso sauce taking it to a new level.  Finally, we had the split pea dahl, braised greens, carrot relish, ginger jam, coconut yoghurt and pickled red onion. This was also good but not a standout dish.

What we’d go back for

The cabbage… and we want to try their plant-based breakfasts next time – which include spiced yoghurts, steel cut oat porridge and smoothie bowls. Plus, their industrial themed unisex toilets are lovely, with stripped bricks, exposed copper piping and Aesop hand washes and creams.

The bill

Stilton and peanut wantons, ketjap manis £4.50
Charred hispi cabbage £7.50
Split pea dahl and braised greens £14.50
Juices £4.50

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Juice Press, NYC

Juice Press’s vision when it launched in 2010 was to bring a healthier lifestyle option to the market. Juice Press now have multiple branches in NYC and other US cities and are the number one organic “grab and go” in the States. They are more of a take-away than most sit-down café style Glowcations we review, but we couldn’t ignore their signature juices and healthy lunches.

The setting

We went to the 22nd St branch, between 5th and 6th Avenue. The metro stop 23th Street on Madison Square Park is close by – just take the Q or R. As this is the buzzing Flatiron district where you are surrounded cool shops. ByCHLOE is based in the same street.

The space

Juice Press is designed as a grab and go so there is limited seating.

We took one of the four small wooden tables at 10 am, but our order was still shouted from the counter. As an eat in, sadly we got all the extra plastic which we thought was unnecessary.  The café has an industrial vibe and, as it’s constantly busy, I wouldn’t recommend getting your laptop out. It’s less a sit and chat than a useful pitstop.

The crowd

I spotted mums with buggies and workers grabbing a juice or smoothie. Around lunch break 12-2pm, this office based area of New York,  can get very crowded.  So we suggest avoiding that time or going to another of their locations if you want a seat.

The fresh juice test

Juice Press, not surprisingly, has a wide range of cold pressed juices split into “mostly veggie” and “mostly fruit”.  They also do a wide range of smoothies and boosters. I’d tried the ginger fireball and the rehab boosters before which are two of their most popular drinks. This time, I wanted to try the greenest juice they had, so I chose the Mother Earth juice.

It was a raw veggie blend of cucumber, celery, kale, Swiss chard, dandelion, parsley, lemon and ginger.

And, I’m going to be honest, it made me feel very, very healthy, but the taste wasn’t the best. However, that’s only my taste and I did feel it was detoxing my body.

The little things that make the difference

They have added posters and postcards on the wall to make the café more welcoming  and you can take the postcards away for free!

What we ate

Juice Press is a 100% plant based and organic. Food wise, they focus on açai bowls, snacks, soups and salads. The smoothies and bowls are freshly made, but the salads, snacks and juices are pre-made off-site.

We ordered two signature smoothie bowls.

The green smoothie bowl, was packed with veggies and we chose home made granola, goji berries and a chia and flax seed mix for toppings.

The granola added a nice crunchy texture and sweetness to the veggie bowl.

Our other bowl was an açaï bowl which we also loved! It wasn’t too sweet, and was made with water instead of a nut mylk, so it lacked a little creaminess. We topped it off with cacao nibs, maple toasted coconut chips and almond butter. The topping portions are very generous.

For dessert, we had the Sin-o-buns which were gluten free and made out of buckwheat, flax, gluten free oats, coconut, cinnamon and coconut nectar. The frosting was a little splash of coconut, Irish moss, vanilla, coconut nectar, cinnamon with a raisin on top. The frosting complemented the buns perfectly and they had a delicious cinnamon-y flavour.

What we’d go back for…

We’d grab the juices, boosters and smoothie bowls and go picnic nearby.

The bill

Mother Earth   10.99$
Sin O Bun  5.00$
Açai blueberry bowl   10.85$
Green bowl   10.85$

 

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Zazie, Rome

Rome has a fair amount of plant-based places including gelaterias, cafés, bakeries and restaurants, but Zazie was recommended to me so many times that I just had to try it. My Italian getaway lasted ten days, the last few days spent in beautiful and historical Rome. After eating pomodoro pasta or vegan pizza at every meal, I felt sluggish and in desperate need of fresh fruit and vegetables.  I loved it so much, I returned the day after my review!

The setting

Zazie has four different locations in Rome, but, as I had planned to visit Vatican City after lunch, I decided on Zazie Borgo Pio. After a stroll in the lush Villa Borghese gardens, you can explore Rione XXII Prati and Rione Borgo neighbourhoods, the latter being where Zazie is located. Both areas are very historical with beautiful churches and palazzos worth visiting. Plus, I would definitely recommend grabbing a juice on the go and walking to the Vatican after your meal.

The space

Zazie has a cool, industrial interior design with coloured metal furniture and lamps. However, the café feels warm due to details such as wooden ornaments dangling from the ceiling like mobiles. I really liked the large wooden counter and shelves with their display of fresh fruit and vegetables, glass jars full of freshly baked cookies and a counter dedicated to free add-ons to your meal such as various seeds, croutons, granola, nuts…

It is the first time that I’ve seen superfoods offered unlimited and free.

The crowd

I was very surprised by the crowd ! It was mostly working people in suits grabbing a soup and juice during lunch hours or older people sitting with a newspaper. Both times I went, I was the only tourist. The lovely staff translated all of the ingredients for me, explained to me which supplements I could choose from, let me replace ingredients in my order and asked upfront if I was a vegetarian or vegan.

The fresh juice test

I was craving a green juice so much so I ordered the greenest item I could find on the menu. It  was spirulina, kiwi, green apple and banana, but I asked to replace the banana with celery and add ginger. It was so hydrating and fresh ! They have a large selection of juices and you can also invent your own and there are three different sizes.

What we ate

Each day they offer a selection of warm salads, fresh salads and soups. I chose a salad bowl with red cabbage, white cabbage, arugula, spinach, chickpeas, radish and a tomato salsa. I also added barley, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed and their dressing of the day which was made from arugula, lemon juice, garlic, shallots and soy cream. It was super fresh, filling and creamy. The next day when I returned,  I ordered a pumpkin and carrot soup with couscous which was equally delicious and super warming.

There are so many bakeries, chocolate stores and biscuits in Italy, but, as a vegan, I have never been able to have any!

I was delighted to see that Zazie had vegan and gluten free versions of traditional Italian desserts.

I chose a chocolate tartlet with an incredible chocolate ganache (and I don’t like chocolate usually), a coconut biscuit, a walnut biscuit and a hazelnut and chocolate biscuit! All were very crumbly, as most Italian baked goods are and I really enjoyed discovering these culinary specialties.

The little things that make a difference

I could totally see Zazie as a place to work from while sipping on juice or tea with their fast wifi, power outlets and calm setting.

When I first saw that they do not have actual plates or glasses, I was worried about plastic over-use, but they actually use compostable bioplastic containers made from potato starch. Which was great. I also appreciated the little chalk boards everywhere with nutritional or environmental information. 

The bill

Green Juice + supplement  5.95€
Salad + cereal supplement 6.95€
Biscuits 6.65€

 

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Kalifornia Kitchen, London

‘Healthy is Sexy’ according to Kalifornia Kitchen. It’s the latest addition to London’s thriving plant-based café scene and one I couldn’t wait to review. It’s the perfect place to pick up a West Coast fix – from the hot pink colour scheme to the CBD lattes. You could easily be in Hollywood.

Kalifornia Kitchen was founded by vegan entrepreneur Loui Blake. It follows the success of his first restaurant, Erpingham House, in Norwich which is the UK’s largest plant-based eatery.

Not only is the entire menu vegan, the eatery is also free from single use plastic and places an emphasis on environmental sustainability.

The setting

Located on Percy Street in Fitzrovia, Kalifornia Kitchen is just a couple of minutes walk from the bustling Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Circus. You can’t miss the shocking pink awning especially on a grey London day. While there is a huge variety of international cuisine on the same street, such as Hawaiian poke, vegetarian Indian and modern Vietnamese restaurants, Kalifornia Kitchen stands out.  

The space

The pink colour scheme continues inside with a fuchsia spiral staircase and pastel pink chairs.

Inside a Neon sign reads “Healthy is sexy’ and  “Don’t kale my vibe’ is painted on the wall.

Green foliage lines the walls, and our window table allowed us to look out  and people watch. Alternatively, you can grab a table for one and order a matcha latte, get your laptop out and take advantage of the relaxed working vibe. The table service is quick and friendly. Food is also available as takeaway. 

The crowd

The crowd is generally young and includes vegans, those seeking a more plant-based diet and those who are simply after a delicious and nourishing meal. I spied plenty of bloggers with their cameras at the ready snapping away at the beautiful interior details and the stunningly presented dishes. As it’s in such a busy area, the restaurant can get very full at lunchtime, but don’t worry as the large number of tables means you can still normally find a seat.

The fresh juice test

To drink, Kalifornia Kitchen serves CBD lattes (infused with Cannabidiol) alongside turmeric and matcha lattes. They also have immune-boosting shots, superfood smoothies and freshly squeezed juices.

We went for the green juice. It was made from kale, apple, celery, cucumber and lime. It was delicious with a slight sweetness thanks to the apple. 

What we ate

The menu is made up of healthy breakfasts, such as buckwheat banana pancakes and lunch options like beetroot falafel wrap with kombucha slaw served with kale chips. There are also heartier dinner dishes such as aubergine katsu curry.

We went for the scrambled turmeric tofu on sourdough. And the pulled jackfruit and guac tacos with pickled red cabbage plus the Rainbow bowl.

The Rainbow bowl was a mix of kale, tomatoes, cauliflower couscous, butternut squash, pomegranate, pumpkin seeds, lime coconut yoghurt and avocado.

The little things that make the difference

Kalifornia Kitchen encourages its guests to donate an optional 99p with each bill.  This is used to plant hundreds of trees each month in order to offset their carbon footprint.

The bill

Jackfruit guac taco  £12.00
Rainbow bowl  £10.50
Scrambled tofu on sourdough £8.50
“Kalefornia” green juice  £4.00
Oolong tea £3.50
Oat Cappuccino  £3.25